The Cal Bears and Washington State Cougars combined for one of the sloppiest halves of basketball I’ve seen in some time, but the Cougs finished strong to take a 25-23 lead into the half. Klay Thompson led the way for the Cougs, though WSU shot just 33.3 percent from the field in the first half. Cal fared just worse, shooting 32.3 percent from the field and missing all three free throw attempts.
The Bears and Cougs combined for 19 turnovers, with WSU accounting for 10. The Cougs also shot just 18.8 percent from three-point range, making 3-16. Simply put, it’s been ugly all-around for both sides.
Thompson’s eight points, 3 rebounds, one assist, one block and no turnovers have been a key for the Cougs as WSU has climbed out of an early hole. DeAngelo Casto added six points and two rebounds before having a seat after picking up a second foul. Faisal Aden had five points, on 2-8 shooting, off the bench, with Brock Motum adding four points and three rebounds, two of which came on the offensive end.
Jeff Powers, starting in place of Allen Crabbe, had six points for the bears, tied with Harper Kamp for the team-high. Markhuri Sanders-Frison added four points, with Brandon Smith pitching in another three. Kamp also has a game-high seven rebounds.
Despite the poor half, WSU has a two-point after shaking off a slow start. For more on the game, check out our StoryStream.